Rep. Jan Schakowsky appeared on MSNBC last night to assuage Rachel Maddow's concerns about the series of transition-related leaks since Barack Obama was elected president.  Schakowsky emphasized that reporters are getting caught up in the "rumor mill" and that all the speculation shouldn't be a reflection on the Obama team.  She went on to predict that this is going to be "a much more transparent and inclusive administration" than we experienced with the Bush White House. 

When asked about Obama's soon-to-be-vacated U.S. Senate seat, Schakowsky said that "it would be a wonderful thing to have the honor of taking his place," but added: "What I'm most interested in, having been a  progressive activist for almost four decades, is working with the President of the United States and a Democratic majority."  Watch the full segment below:

As an aside: What's up with Maddow sarcastic reference to "the shores of Lake Michigan"?  Come on now, Rachel ...